A day after the visiting Commonwealth delegates objected to "unliveable conditions in the Games village, some of the smaller teams are now considering withdrawing. David Harry, chef de mission of the 43-strong Guernsey team, said: "The next two days are vital. The monsoon caused real problems and you do have some sympathy, but then again they should not have left themselves in this position. There is a possibility that we will pull out.

Alan Cross, secretary of the Jersey Commonwealth Games Association, said: "We have to make a decision in the next 24 hours whether to take part or not. There is a risk we will not. It seems very likely that the accommodation will not be ready in time. If the first big team pulls out then others may follow. We are very, very unhappy and disappointed. In the future, members will be very reluctant to vote for cities from developing countries again which is a real shame."

21 September 2010

The Commonwealth Games Federation head has demanded the Indian government take immediate steps to improve conditions at the athletes' village in Delhi. Team delegates have described the accommodation as filthy, unhygienic and unfit for human habitation. But organisers of the event, which runs from 3 to 14 October, said the facilities would be excellent. Meanwhile, police said 23 labourers were injured as a bridge being built near the main Games venue collapsed.

It is the latest setback to an event plagued by construction delays, allegations of corruption and a dengue fever outbreak in the Indian capital. New Zealand, Scotland, Canada and Northern Ireland have demanded their teams be put up in hotels if their accommodation is not ready. Michael Fennell, the Commonwealth Games Federation president, said he had written to the Indian cabinet secretary urging immediate action. He said "many issues remain unresolved" and the athletes' village was "seriously compromised".

Although team officials had been impressed with the international zone and main dining area, he continued, they had been "shocked" by the state of the accommodation itself. "The village is the cornerstone of any Games and the athletes deserve the best possible environment to prepare for their competition," Mr Fennell added. Indian media is reporting that only 18 of 34 residential towers at the village are complete.